Required Resources
Course Text: Gonzalez-Mena, J. (2008). Diversity in early care and education: Honoring differences (5th ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill.
Introduction
Chapter 1, "Perceiving and Responding to Differences"
Course Text: Day, M., & Parlakian, R. (2004). How culture shapes social-emotional development: Implications for practice in infant-family programs. Washington, DC: Zero to Three.
Read pp. 1-3 (up to "What Is Social-Emotional Development?")
Read pp. 11-13 (up to "Exploring and Learning from the Environment")
Article: Phillips, C. B., & Cooper, R. M. (1992). Cultural dimensions of feeding relationships. Click for more options In The caregiver's companion: Readings and professional resources - Infants, toddlers, and caregivers (pp. 95-101). Washington, DC: Zero to Three.
Reproduced with permission of Zero to Three in the format Scan via Copyright Clearance Center.
Read pp. 98-99, "Principles for Observing Dimensions of Culture"
Optional Resources
Web Site: NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct and Statement of Commitment
Application: Getting to Know Yourself
Note: Although the Application is not due until Day 7 of Week 1, you are encouraged to complete this assignment before posting to this week's Discussion, in which you will share the insights you have gained about your own identity and cultural framework.
Learning about your own identity can be a powerful tool for recognizing how you make meaning of the world around you. For professionals who work with young children and their families, this is especially important because of the profound influence-intentional or otherwise-their attitudes and actions can have on both children and adults.
For this assignment, think about your own identity. In Chapter 1 of Diversity in Early Care and Education, Gonzalez-Mena (2008, p. 9) shares, "I was surprised to discover that I have a culture. I, like everyone else move within a cultural framework every minute of the day.
That framework is influenced by and includes what are called attributes of culture...My life is influenced by my:
Race
Gender
Age
Abilities and disabilities
Language
Social class, including status and economic level
Ethnicity and national origin
Religion and/or spiritual practice
Original geographic location of my family, where I grew up, and present location (if different)
Sexuality, including sexual orientation"
How is your life influenced by these attributes?
Write at least 2 pages describing your identity in terms of these attributes of culture. Comment on how it feels to reflect on your own identity in this way, noting insights that may influence the way you view families and children whose cultural frameworks differ from yours.